The BJP and CPI(M) MLAs in the Assembly on Friday questioned the State government regarding the reduction in the budget estimate for 2023-24 for the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Tribal Welfare Department compared with the previous year.
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M. Chinnadurai, CPI(M) MLA (Gandarvakottai), said the reduction of around ₹750 crore appeared high even if expenditure reduction due to the transfer of department-run schools to the School Education Department was considered.
Raising a similar concern, BJP MLA (Coimbatore South ) Vanathi Srinivasan sought an explanation regarding the non-utilisation of funds earmarked under the Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP). She further urged the government to bring in a separate legislation for recovering Panchami lands at least by this year.
Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said the non-utilisation of SCSP and TSP funds was not a problem that started under the present DMK government but had existed for long due to various issues. He pointed out that the government had announced the introduction of a special legislation in the next Assembly session to address the problem.